May 9, 2026

By: Juan Calvillo

Five years after Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema released the 2021 “Mortal Kombat” reboot, another fun romp into the game’s gory universe arrives in “Mortal Kombat II.” Set after the events of the reboot, “Mortal Kombat II” introduces new protagonists Johnny Cage and Kitana, played by Karl Urban and Adeline Rudolph, as new fighters in another fatal tournament meant to decide the fate of Earth Realm.

While the “Mortal Kombat” reboot - and it is essential to make the distinction between that and the over 30 year-old original film of the same name due to overall quality and nostalgia - focused on a new fighter in Cole Young, played by Lewis Tan, the follow up focuses on characters most fans immediately recognize. That simple fact gives “Mortal Kombat II” a leg up on its predecessor in both recognition and character connection.

Choose Your Fighter

Cage is a washed up actor who is still making a living, an albeit meager one, off his stardom from early martial arts action films. Urban is cast almost too well and gives Cage’s grizzled, fading movie star a fast talking, in the know, swagger centric style. Playing off type from his previous iterations of protagonists, looking at his no nonsense turn as Judge Dredd in the “Dredd” movie and his tough as nails portrayal of Butcher in “The Boys,” it is fun to see him being a reluctant hero. While his entire backstory is not examined, the story shows Cage as a man who has lost his way, but who is given a chance for a different, yet reluctant, path forward. He gets just that in the form of an invitation to the Mortal Kombat tournament.

Kitana is a princess whose realm fell at the feet of the main villain, Shao Kahn, played by Martyn Ford. She ends up living as Kahn’s daughter, all while training to be a part of the next Mortal Kombat tournament. Rudolph shows the audience how vulnerable yet defiant Kitana is during the film's run time. From the film’s onset, Kitana’s character is shown as loving to her family, but focused on getting retribution. Rudolph embraces the character by showing a cool exterior to Kitana’s moments with allies and fiery opposition when confronted by Kahn, in and out of the tournament. These battles are what make the franchise so fun to watch.

Fight!

Action movies like the Mortal Kombat franchise have amazing fight scenes mixed in with a story that allows to tie in these battles to the overall forward momentum of the script. “Mortal Kombat II” interestingly does this but also calls back to previous fights in the series and manages to continue the narrative thread from the previous film into this one. That means fights between characters like Kahn and Young have weight to them because of what audiences know of the characters. This also means interactions between characters like Liu Kang, played by Ludi Lin and the original heroes of the first film do not feel lackluster or overly simplistic. The film also manages to set up what seems like a larger overarching story for the series.

Of course, being an action film means having those previously mentioned fight scenes, and the great part of this franchise is that the matches are almost always big. Kang versus Kahn, Cage versus Kitana and Sonya Blade versus Queen Sindel, played by Jessica McNamee and Ana Thu Nguyen respectively, are all action packed and fierce. 

There is a bit of disappointment in the first fights Cage is a part of and that is likely a story driven decision. Cage has not had a real fight in a while and makes sure to remind people of that from the beginning minutes of the movie. By the last act though, Cage is once again in fighting shape and being "the Johnny Cage," despite being slightly slower. Although Cage's fights are not the only ones that suffer this tendancy.

If fans are hoping to see fast battles like other big budget action movies, they might be left with a lackluster opinion of the fights on screen. This is not to say that the fights are not fun and gory, they are definitely that in spades. It is just unfortunate that not all fights move with the pace of one of the standout Kang fights midway through the film. That fight really shows off how two martial artists can go toe-to-toe and how added special effects make battles like it even more fun.

Not A Flawless Victory, But Still A Win

“Mortal Kombat II” has all the fun callbacks to the video game franchise, including the trademark “Finish Him” and the brutal and gory kills of the game’s fatalities making this a movie fans of the series will love. “Mortal Kombat II” is out now in theaters and is rated R for strong bloody violence and gore and language.

April 29, 2026

By: Juan Calvillo

Huntington Park Councilman Arturo Flores was censured, three yes to one no, during Tuesday evening’s regular council meeting. The censure comes after a resolution was placed on the agenda and proposed during the meeting to address “conduct unbecoming” of the city official.

In city documents attached to the agenda materials, resolution number 2026-XX notes the council identified alleged conduct by Flores that was inconsistent with that of an elected official. The document details the conduct, “...includes being involved in an incident that led to a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department regarding allegations of sexual assault…”

During the meeting Eduardo Martinez, Huntington Park mayor, and fellow council people Karina Macias and Nancy Martiz each gave their perspective on the proposed resolution. Martinez asked Flores if he was innocent of the allegations against him which Flores said he was.

“Like I said, I am innocent. I am innocent. But why are you trying to litigate this, you’re not a judge. You’re not a jury. You’re not the police department. You’re not a detective.You understand that,” Flores said.

Martinez, Macias and Martiz all voted yes on the resolution. Flores voted no. For more please follow the Huntington Park News Blog on TikTok. This is an ongoing story and will be updated as information is gathered.

April 25, 2026

By: Juan Calvillo

“Invincible,” Robert Kirkman’s story of an evolving young superhero, launched its fourth season on Amazon Prime Video and delivers an interesting and smart superhero series. The animated show has done an excellent job of staying faithful to the original Image Comics series and making some compelling additions this season.

Previously, and next, on "Invincible"

As the season opened, Mark Grayson, the superhero Invincible, voiced by Steven Yeun, is recovering from his battles against multiversal doppelgangers, Angstrom Levy, a dimensional hopping villain and a gobsmacked, blood soaked melee against the Viltrumite warrior named Conquest. 

The weight and responsibility of the events at the end of season three has mentally pushed Invincible into some troubling territory. The trailer shows Debbie Grayson, Invincible’s mother voiced by Sanda Oh, telling Invincible he needs to take a break from trying to fix things. Invincible retorts that he doesn’t get to take breaks, showing a harder edge to the character.

The trailer and first two episodes show Invincible’s mental state is a bit off. From there the show, literally in some instances, drags Invincible to hell and back. This all culminates with the horrifying introduction of new major players in the show and leads directly into the Viltrumite war.

Kirkman’s original comics are reflected sharply this season. Invincible is pushed to the point where his moral compass has become a bit tweaked. 

This propels the story into grown-up territory more than ever by not simply accepting the idea that “heroes do not kill” without putting the idea to the more realistic question of “when is it necessary to stop evil for good.” These challenging ideas and the season's dramatic moral dilemmas are great chances for the entire voice acting team to really shine.

Voice acting at its best

Yeun proves time and again that there is no other person who could pull off the heroic, ashamed, concerned, angry, kind, understanding and questioning character of Invincible. There are some amazing moments this season that show off Yeun’s range and talent as an actor full stop. 

The most impactful moments are when Yeun gets real with the character, specifically a scene where Invincible has to make a no-win decision. His frustration, realization and finally his acceptance of the horrendous decision he has to make are highlighted with every slow, angry and disillusioned breath Yeun makes. This is only one example of how the characters, writing and acting are top notch. 

J.K. Simmons portrayal of Nolan Grayson, the good, then bad, then kind of good Omni-Man, is awesome as well. Simmons' acting shows a character who is trying to come back from some terrible decisions, and how hard it can be not to crack under the pressure. While some of his apologies may come off as haphazard and throw away, his interactions with Debbie, Nolan’s wife, are heartfelt and real.

Not just a retread of the comics

One of the interesting fleshing out of characters comes by way of a friendship between Allen the Alien, voiced by Seth Rogen, and Zoe the hero known as Tech Jacket, voiced by Zoey Deutch. The pair have an interesting big brother, little sister type of energy throughout the second half of the eight episode run of Invincible’s fourth season. 

The pair’s interactions tend to be more on the comedic side, but also show the ways that the show can make impactful changes to the original story. In the comics Tech Jacket is a male character, while in the animated show, Kirkman and company decided to go with a female iteration of the character. This is further explored in an article where Kirkman spoke with the Wrap about season four and what lies in wait for those who watch the series.

Final thoughts

“Invincible” season four is a thrill to watch and pushes more than one main character to the brink. The acting is compelling and full of emotional moments. Season four is eight, 50+ minute episodes on Amazon Prime Video. The show is rated TV-MA for mild sex and nudity, severe violence and gore, moderate profanity, severe frightening and intense scenes.

February 12, 2026

By: Juan Calvillo

Playstation showcased a bevy of new titles slated to hit both the Playstation 5 and PC, as well as partner studios celebrating anniversaries during the February 12 State of Play. Here are three notable takeaways from the event.

The console and home computer connection

Playstation has made huge strides over the last few years when it comes to its games landing on both their premiere console, the Playstation 5, and PC. One of the bigger successes of this crossover between console and PC has been “Helldivers 2.” In the first few months of release the title sold 12 million copies on both Playstation 5 and PC. Multiple other titles have been released since then and more are scheduled to follow suit.

The February 12 State of Play continues to show how quickly games are now being announced for both platforms. “Kena 2: Scars of Kosmora” and “4 Loop” are titles that will see releases on PC and Playstation 5, and “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” will release on PC on March 19. Ember Lab has taken “Kena 2” to the next level with a bigger world and an enhanced battle system. Players can expect it to launch this year. A pre-beta is revving up for “4 Loop,” an action game from Bad Robot Games. The title will focus on player interactivity to choose maps and actions that will have consequences.

Anniversaries galore

Both Konami and Playstation’s Santa Monica Studios celebrated some big anniversaries this year. A new entry into the Castlevania series helped celebrate the franchise's 40th anniversary. Classic gameplay and beautiful visuals should keep fans happy when “Castlevania: Belmont's Curse” releases this year.

Santa Monica Studio continues celebrating the 20th anniversary of the God of War franchise with the announcement that the original trilogy, or the Greek trilogy, is getting a remake. Terrence “TC” Carson, Kratos’ original voice actor, announced during the State of Play that the remake is in the early stages of development. He also teased a final update for the anniversary of the franchise which turned out to be a new game by Mega Cat Studio, in conjunction with Santa Monica Studio. The title is a new entry in the God of War franchise named “God of War: Sons of Sparta” and is available now.

A landslide of games for 2026

With so many new games it is easier to show rather than tell. Check out the following list of upcoming games and dates announced during the State of Play. This list is ongoing and more titles may be added.

• Rayman 30th Anniversary - Physical edition: June 26, 2026

• Rayman 30th Anniversary - Digital edition: February 13, 2026

• 007 First Light - May 27, 2026

• Darwin’s Paradox! - April 2, 2026

• Silent Hill Townfall - 2026

• Marathon - March 5, 2026

• Saros - April 30, 2026

• Marvel: Tokon Fighting Souls - August 6, 2026

• God of War: Sons of Sparta - Available Now

• Pragmata - April 24, 2026

• Resident Evil: Requiem - February 27, 2026

• Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered - March 3, 2026 (PS4 & PS5)

• Beast of Reincarnation - August 4, 2026

January 29, 2026

By: Juan Calvillo

**editors note: a change to the date of resignation for Arturo Flores was added and additional links were added.**

Eduardo Martinez, former vice mayor of Huntington Park, California, was appointed mayor for one year during the January 27 city council meeting. In an interview with the Huntington Park News Blog last week, Martinez said continuing to inform people of the resources available to them and the rights they have, especially during the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids that continue across the country, is something he wants to continue during his time in office.

“Obviously, it is difficult to confront federal authority, but if there’s anything we can do to provide a bubble over our city to protect our families, we’ll continue that,” Martinez said.

He commended former mayor Arturo Flores for the work he started in confronting the challenges of ICE raids across the Los Angeles area, and in Huntington Park specifically. Martinez said work needed to be done to address Huntington Park citizens concerns with Pacific Blvd. and that a reimagining of this part of the city’s commercial area is needed.

“That’s a high priority this year,” Martinez said.

According to Martinez, a reorganization of the positions of mayor and vice mayor was to take place sometime in March or April.

Despite having to take the position earlier than that, Martinez said the current situation does help a bit when it comes to mayors getting their full term. He said once the voting ordinance is changed in Huntington Park, mayors will get the correct full time in office.

Huntington Park municipal code 2-9.01 states, “The date of the City's General Municipal Election shall be conducted on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March of even-numbered years, beginning March, 2020.” Ordinance 2026-01 would amend this allowing for elections to instead be done in November. This is in compliance with SB 415.

Arturo Flores, the former Huntington Park mayor who resigned on January 13, nominated Martinez for the position during the January 27 council meeting.

“I like to make a motion and to nominate someone that I feel has been the conscience of this council,” Flores said.

He noted Martinez’s accomplishments when it came to the Huntington Park arts and theater commission, as well as the new mayor’s ability of, “leading with love.”

Council member Nancy Martiz said the commission was an impactful change despite just having started in the summer of 2025.

“There’s going to be a future in Huntington Park where people know us, and I know that a lot of that work is going to be done through the arts and theater commission,” Martiz said.

The Huntington Park arts and theater commission has five seats total, but two are currently vacant according to the Huntington Park website. The current members of the arts and theater commission hold their positions until June of this year.

January 16, 2026

By: Juan Calvillo

Editor: Sienna Machado-Hidalgo

Arturo Flores resigned as Mayor of Huntington Park during a City Council meeting January 13. 

Flores said he resigned to dedicate his full attention to defending against the effort to recall the city’s mayoral vote. 

“This decision is not a retreat. It is [a] strategic choice,” Flores said.

During his brief statement, he cited that his military background gave him the tools to fight the type of fight the recall asked of him.

Flores previously said, during a council meeting in February of last year, the recall might be a retaliatory effort by those seeking to avoid accountability for mismanaging the taxpayer-funded aquatic center in Salt Lake Park. 

He was committed to investigating the failed project, and a corruption probe was conducted by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. 

Flores has been a council member since 2022 and was appointed mayor by the council in March of last year after serving as vice mayor. 

On Tuesday, council member Johnathan A. Sanabria said he acknowledged the hard work Flores did during raids conducted by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement department in Huntington Park.

“He stood up when other folks in different communities did not,” Sanabria said.

Flores said reforming the city government could build back trust from the citizens of Huntington Park, but he also acknowledged how difficult that could be during a recall.

Vice Mayor Eduardo Martinez presided over the council meeting for the remainder of the evening.

Flores has been a council member since 2022 and was appointed mayor by the council in March of last year after serving as vice mayor.  

A recording of the Huntington Park city council meeting can be viewed here, on Town Hall Streams.

Christmas in Huntington Park will be a wet one as the National Weather Service announced a flood watch and wind advisory lasting until Thursday night. The City of Huntington Park’s Instagram account posted about a sandbag dispersal starting at 11:00 a.m. on December 23. 

Huntington Park residents can pick up sandbags at fire station 165 based at 3255 Saturn Avenue. Community members can fill up to 10 bags of sand at the station.

The NWS, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, reports an 80% chance of rain on Christmas day, including half to three-quarters of an inch of new rain and possible thunderstorms.

The rain will affect much of Los Angeles with Karen Bass, Los Angeles mayor, advising people in the area to be cautious when traveling for the holiday season. In a press release, she said the City of Los Angeles’ Emergency Operations Center would be activated.

“Los Angeles City personnel are preparing for the storm this holiday week. First responders, public works crews and utility personnel are ready to respond to potential impacts due to the weather,” Bass said.

According to the release, Los Angeles residents can pick up sandbags at any fire station in the city. Community members can check the fire station locator for stations near them and are advised to contact their local station to check for sand availability.

For loss of power residents can contact the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power at 1-800-DIAL-DWP or report the outage online.